GOP Declares State Budget Impasse

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Gov. Jerry Brown said Monday morning that he's "not there yet" in his search for Republican votes to put his budget plan on the ballot, and suggested that Thursday's self-imposed budget deadline may be pushed.

"We accepted your invitation to bring you our ideas on important structural reforms and willingly took to heart your admonition 'to get out of our comfort zone.' Although it is clear that you engaged in our conversations seriously, it appears we have reached an impasse in our discussions about how to move the state forward."

"They're afraid they'll find their head on a stick," Brown told KCRA's Kevin Riggs after the presentation. Brown was asked if Republicans would be committing political suicide by voting to put his measure on the ballot. He answered by saying he would be to campaign for Republicans in upcoming primary elections. "This is not a garden variety decision," Brown said. "This is a game changer."

The governor needs a two-thirds majority before anything can be put on the June ballot. He needs the ballot measure in order to make his budget work.

Even after seeing the letter, Senate President Pro Tem Darrel Steinberg said he is still planning on bringing the budget action to the floor later this week, adding that 72 hours is a lifetime in politics.